Air Fryer Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka is a classic dish and very famous. These morsels of kebab takes me right back to Mumbai and the street food scenes. Chicken tikka is not originally from Mumbai but very much an important hero amongst the foodies. Now I make them at home any time that I miss Mumbai or need a quick spicy chicken dish. This Air fryer Chicken Tikka is perfect to be used when hosting last minute party and even for a weeknight dinner. Airfryer has made it possible to get the same charred yet succulent chicken that we crave which we thought was only possible in a proper hot oven or bbq roasters.

I have used Chicken thigh fillets for this recipe which does not dry out chicken tikka pieces and reducing cooking time as well.

Why you will like this ?

• We have used chicken thigh fillets , skinless and boneless for this recipe. It reduces cooking time of chicken whilst keeping in soft and does not go rubbery when air fried.
• Budget friendly as thigh are cheaper than breast and all the ingredients are available. You can make the meal go further with different sides or use it in a wrap or sandwich
• Airfried means less oil as compared to shallow frying or deep frying.
• No need to watch or be available whilst the chicken is cooking as opposed to oven, airfryer turns itself off when cooking cycle is finished.

How to get chicken succulent and charred ?

• The secret to this delicious Chicken Tikka is that we do 2 types of marination, it is not a 2 day process and you can make it on the same day. First level tenderizes it and second level spices it up with flavour.
• First phase of marination where chicken thigh pieces are marinated with ginger garlic paste , yoghurt, lemon and salt , left for 30 minutes to 2 hour depending to on how much time you have.
• Second phase of marination is when you squeeze the chicken from the first level marination and then smother it with spices which is your tikka marinade.
• I have discussed further tips in Extra Tips section at the end of the post

How to make Air Fryer Chicken tikka (Step by Step with photos)

• Below is step by step photos on how to marinate chicken thighs in spices and how to skewer the marinated chicken before it goes into the airfryer.

• Marinate chicken thigh fillet pieces with all the ingredients mentioned in the section for first phase of marination. Leave it in fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how much time is possible.

• Take the chicken from the fridge. You will notice that the marinated chicken has some water, please squeeze out as much water out as possible. This is important so that it doesn't wash out spices in the next stage.
• Once water is squeezed out, put all the ingredients in the bowl for second phase of marination. Give this a good mix and leave it in fridge for 1 to 2 hours or overnight if possible.

• When ready to cook take the chicken out and leave on the kitchen counter for 30 minutes to 1 hour, let it come to room temperature.
• Skewer the chicken pieces into airfryer friendly metal or wooden skewers. Alternatively you can place them directly onto airfryer basket. Skewered chicken is easier to turn all at once for even browning.

• Set your airfryer time and temp. Consider any preheating your airfryer might need.
• Setup for InstantPot Vortex Dual Drawer AirFryer - Cook skewered chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on 200 degree and then 6-8 minutes on 180 degree. Cooking times always vary due to sizes of chicken so always keep on eye at the end of each cycle to check for doneness.

What to serve with this ?

We usually serve it with some fresh salad and some cooling yoghurt dip (mixed in with pinch of salt ,some crushed mint and coriander). You can also serve this sliced thinly with pita or with naan like a wrap. You could also eat this along side some herby couscous.

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Extra Tips -

• Yoghurt - use thick Greek yoghurt for example : Fage brand or hung yoghurt but not runny kind this ensure tikka marinade will stay on the chicken pieces.
• Harissa paste - use the fine kind and not the coarse one if possible. I have used one I found in a continental shop called Le Phare du Cap Bon as seen in the photos. It can be refrigerated once opened and last for ages.
• You can pan fry this chicken or cook in the oven too if you do not have air fryer.
• If cooking in the oven , cook for 20-25 minutes on Gas Mark 5 or 190 Degrees. Keep an eye on the chicken for doneness as it will vary from oven to oven.
• You could use chicken breast but they will take longer than chicken thighs

_{Disclaimer: I was kindly gifted this airfryer Instant Pot Vortex Dual Drawer by Instant Brands but all opinions and views are my own.}